Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

ChanceLight

$93K — $104K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Associate's degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
  • Preferred Bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • Current or in-process certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
  • Crisis management training certification required.
  • Experience in occupational therapy support services in special education or behavioral health settings.
  • Knowledge of special education compliance, particularly for disabilities such as autism and emotional behavioral disorders.
  • Experience working with students on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
  • Strong communication and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

  • Provide occupational therapy interventions according to students' IEPs.
  • Assist the Occupational Therapist during evaluations and data collection.
  • Maintain organized documentation of student progress and session notes.
  • Collaborate with educators to integrate therapeutic goals into classroom activities.
  • Modify classroom setups to enhance engagement and learning access.
  • Educate staff and families on adaptive equipment use.
  • Attend IEP meetings and contribute to student support discussions.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
  • Annual $2,000 Education Stipend
  • FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
  • Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
  • 401k Retirement Saving Plan
  • Opportunities for Growth & Development
Full Job Description
🟢 Starting Rate: $45 - $50 /hour based on experience PLUS $2,000 Annual Education Stipend!

🏫 Environment: Special Education Program, Grades K-12

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will play a critical role in empowering students in Grades K-12 with special needs to achieve educational success by delivering impactful occupational therapy services under the guidance of a licensed Occupational Therapist, consistently upholding excellence across multiple school locations and collaborative educational teams.

|| Responsibilities Include:

  • Providing targeted occupational therapy interventions aligned with students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), diligently following designated service hours and established schedules.
  • Assisting the Occupational Therapist during evaluations by collecting pertinent data, administering standardized assessments, and observing students to accurately determine their functional capabilities and developmental needs.
  • Maintaining precise, organized, and timely documentation of student progress, including daily session notes, periodic progress reports, and additional required records, complying fully with district and program protocols.
  • Collaborating closely with educators and support staff to seamlessly integrate therapeutic goals into classroom activities, offering strategies and accommodations to optimize student achievement.
  • Modifying classroom environments, resources, and instructional materials, under Occupational Therapist supervision, to enhance student engagement and access to the curriculum.
  • Assisting with training and educating school staff and families on the effective use of adaptive equipment and practical techniques to boost students' functional independence.
  • Ensuring therapy tools, equipment, and supplies are maintained in excellent condition, promptly reporting any issues or replacement needs to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
  • Attending and actively participating in IEP meetings, collaborative team discussions, and professional development activities, providing valuable input to enhance student planning and support.
  • Upholding professional and ethical standards consistently in interactions with students, families, and team members, emphasizing confidentiality and cultural respect.
  • Traveling regularly and maintaining a consistent onsite presence to effectively support multiple Spectrum School locations within your designated region.
  • Performing additional tasks as assigned to advance the mission and effectiveness of Spectrum Center Schools and Programs.


|| Qualifications Required:

  • Associate's degree or higher in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
  • Bachelors degree or higher in a closely related field of study preferred.
  • Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) credential.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
  • Prior experience and/or knowledge in providing occupational therapy support services, preferably in an alternative special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
  • Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
  • Prior experience and/or knowledge in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's) preferred.
  • Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
  • Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
  • Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff members, students, parents and the public.
  • Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
  • Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.


|| Perks and Benefits Include:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
  • Annual Education Stipend - $2,000
  • FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
  • FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
  • Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Personal Protection Insurance Plans
  • Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
  • Legal Services Insurance
  • Pet Health Insurance
  • Accrual-based Paid Time Off
  • School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
  • Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
  • 401k Retirement Saving Plan
  • Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
  • Opportunities for Growth & Development
  • And So Much More!


If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future - This Is Your Chance!

Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!

Careers, With ChanceLight 💙 Work. With Purpose.

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